Institute of Forensic Medicine

Forensic Molecular Biology

The Department of Forensic Molecular Biology generates DNA profiles (the so-called "genetic fingerprint") from various biological materials.

In order to solve crimes, DNA profiles from traces collected at crime scenes and from suspects are generated and forwarded to the federal DNA database on behalf of the police and judicial authorities. DNA analyses are also performed to identify unknown dead or missing persons.

Additionally, we perform parentage testing on behalf of the authorities and private individuals. This includes both traditional paternity tests and more complex kinship analyses.

Analysis of crime scene traces

We investigate traces from crime scenes on behalf of the police and judicial authorities. This involves analysis of a wide variety of biological material such as blood, saliva, sperm, skin cells, hair etc. The resulting DNA profiles are forwarded to the federal DNA database and compared with previously saved DNA profiles (traces/persons).
Immunological tests (human blood, saliva, PSA) and microscopy can be performed in order to characterize the type of biological material analysed.

Profiling of persons

For the purpose of solving crimes – as well as identifying dead or missing persons – we generate DNA profiles for comparison on a case-by-case basis from buccal swabs or other biological materials.

Parentage testing/paternity clarification

We perform the following types of parentage analysis on behalf of the authorities and private individuals: • Clarification in respect of paternity or maternity Information is available under -> Paternity test information (link to PDF) • Special/more complex parentage clarification cases following a consultation process (contact via tel.: +41 (0)31 631 39 69) • Parentage clarification cases associated with migration issues/family reunification